5 rules for unincorporated York County, Pennsylvania.
Verified from official government sources
Land-use zoning in York County is done by boroughs, cities, and townships under Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code, not the county. State law requires every zoning ordinance to permit no-impact home-based businesses by right in all residential zones.
PA Municipalities Planning Code § 107 (No-impact home-based business)
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area. The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling. There shall be no outside appearance of a business use, including, but not limited to, parking, signs or lights.
York County sets no home-business sign rule. Signage is governed by your borough or township zoning ordinance under the state Municipalities Planning Code. Many ordinances bar business signs for no-impact home-based businesses entirely.
Pennsylvania has no cottage-food law and no county rule. Home food sellers register with the state as a "Limited Food Establishment" through the PA Department of Agriculture, which inspects the home kitchen. Only non-hazardous, shelf-stable foods are allowed.
PA Dept. of Agriculture — Limited Food Establishment program
The Department's Limited Food Establishment program registers home-based and noncommercial food production sites that meet specific guidelines. These kitchens can only make non-hazardous foods that do not require refrigeration of the finished product.
Home daycare is licensed by the PA Department of Human Services, not York County. A family child care home caring for four to six unrelated children needs a DHS Certificate of Compliance under 55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290, plus municipal zoning approval.
55 Pa. Code § 3290.1
This chapter applies to facilities in which out-of-home care is provided, at any one time, for part of a 24-hour day to four, five or six children who are not related to the operator and who are 15 years of age or younger.
York County issues no home-occupation permit. Whether a permit or zoning approval is needed depends on your borough or township ordinance under the PA Municipalities Planning Code. No-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right statewide.
PA Municipalities Planning Code § 107 (No-impact home-based business)
The business activity shall be conducted only within the dwelling and may not occupy more than 25% of the habitable floor area. The business shall employ no employees other than family members residing in the dwelling.
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